Time

Time - Short Story 

Written by VP 

If time was a person what would be the first thing you would do to time? Demand it to rewind or fast forward your time? 

“These gatherings are distasteful,” Remit groaned. 

This gathering was a celebration for the end of a high-school year. Every student was expected to attend as there will be opportunities to socialize with graduated seniors, an opportunity to expand connections, as well as a reunion for the teachers and seniors. Remit sat at the farthest end of the table, trying to hide from the crowd. 

There were chattering everywhere, people were making new connections, some made new friends, a few cried and hugged upon reunition. It seems that everyone was enjoying their time and each other’s company. While a few were arguing at a corner, trying to settle on a matter. Then a classmate settled into a seat near Remit and started complaining.

“I’ve just realized how hectic life will be. I wish I could rewind time and be stuck in school forever,” the classmate went on. The classmate repeatedly complained why he didn’t want to graduate high-school. Remit wondered why would he say so, when just a few years ago he wanted time to move faster. The classmate smiled before walking away and exclaimed “Looking at the bright side though, I’m still young, there will be better times coming my way. This is freedom!”. 

After a couple of minutes, a graduated senior came to sit next to Remit. “Hey Remit! Have you checked my business yet?” the senior exclaimed and went on and on about her passion for her business. “I can’t wait for my business to bloom, by then everyone in this town will use no other product than mine!” She excitedly boasted. She gave Remit one last smile before running to another person to talk about her business. Soon after, the school principal, who was not expected to be there, came up to Remit. Remit stood up to show respect. 

“Remit! I thought you wouldn’t attend this gathering” the principal said. The principal started telling Remit of what expectations he has for all of his students, then he went on to talk about his life. “I’m already too old for all this. My ankles are killing me. How good would it be for death to take me peacefully,” the principal signed, but then realized that he was going off topic.

“I’ve been taking too much! It’s getting late, I got to go. Have a good time”

Remit checked the clock on the wall, it was indeed late. Time was faster than expected. It felt like the gathering started a few minutes ago and now there’s only two hours left until the shop owner sends the guests away. 

People were starting to walk around for audiences and through their eyes, it was easy for Remit to see the expectations, as well as reactions, the individuals have in store for the future.

Throughout the gathering, a few more people came to sat next to Remit. Once, a group of five came by to talk about their upcoming sport competition. They expressed how they couldn’t wait for the competition day to show off their skills. Later a stranger came with a dog in her hands, she was patting him as she told Remit of how she missed the months when her dog was a puppy. While she was showing Remit a photo of her dog during his puppy days, the dog leaped away. She followed. They blended into the crowd of walking people and disappeared from sight. 

Remit took another look at the clock. It was really late. People were starting to thin out. Soon there was just the shop owner and Remit. The shop owner was an old lady who was working alone. She then quietly groaned “I wish my son was here to help. He should be getting home to his family right now.” As Remit left the shop, another groan was heard from the shop owner “Oh I missed those times.”

Remit walked away and thought about the encounters, as well as the whole gathering that felt like a short wave that passed by quicker than expected. Remit hated that people came to express their thoughts, but that was Remit’s job to listen and possibly ease the wishes; make those people feel the fast pace or the short essence of time.

In the quiet night, the memories of the gathering came to an end. Soon a new cycle begins, Remit blended into natures and hunted new encounters.